Students at McCutcheon High School lined the hallways to give the Unified Flag Football team a rousing sendoff to the state championship. Led by the Pride of McCutcheon marching band, team members received high-fives and cheers from classmates and teachers, followed by media interviews.

McCutcheon advanced through the sectional and regional competition by beating West Lafayette, Twin Lakes, Carroll (Fort Wayne) and Valparaiso. The state championship matchup against Mooresville will take place October 19 at Grand Park in Westfield. 

Unified Sports enables persons with and without intellectual disabilities to participate on the same team for sports training and competition as part of the "Champions Together” partnership between the IHSAA and Special Olympics Indiana.

After the celebration, coaches Gina Bunch and Cory Rush told the students how proud they were of their teamwork and accomplishments. Senior Patrick Muldoon told his teammates how much being on the team meant to him. “It doesn’t matter what happens on Saturday, this whole thing is worth it,” said Patrick. “I love you guys.”